Missions

Background
At IGMM, our group Integrative RNA networks in Development aims at elucidating the function of transcription factors (TFs) in mRNA processing and its contribution to cell identity. Here, the project focuses on interactions established by the Hox TF family at the level of messenger RNA to explore new biological questions. This ANR-funded project (TRren-D) aims to unveil the Hox TF Ultrabithorax protein-RNA interactions during muscle development of Drosophila embryos.
The contract is initially for 6 months, renewable for 24 months.
Missions
The engineer will,
-Be in charge of a project based on the capture, identification and visualisation of TF-RNA complexes (UV-RIP) and TF-protein complexes (BioID) in vivo in Drosophila embryonic muscle, independently (70%)
-Provide support for the molecular biology and biochemistry of protein-RNA complexes in vitro (10%)
-Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of Drosophila lines (10%)
-Contribute to protocol monitoring and stock management for the team (10%)

Activities

In vivo experiments with Drosophila
-Maintain lines and crosses, collect embryos, purify protein-RNA complexes (UV-RIP) for sequencing, proximity labelling of protein complexes (BioID) coupled with mass spectrometry, fixation, immunostaining, and confocal microscopy
In vitro or cell experiments
-Apply cloning techniques, protein and RNA biochemistry (production, purification), detection of protein-RNA complexes (SDS-PAGE, western-blot, RT-qPCR, RNA-IP)
-Perform computational data analysis, including statistical analysis

Responsibilities
-Choose and adapt technologies based on previously discussed objectives
-Develop and write protocols and structured reports in English
-Process and analyse data, format results for presentation in English
-Share knowledge and skills in their field of study
-Participate in the dissemination and valorisation of results in the form of presentations and publications in English
-Ensure scientific and technological monitoring in their field of activity

Skills

Skills/knowledge
-Basic knowledge of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology
-Basic knowledge of protein-protein interaction and RNA detection methods
-Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English (C1 level equivalent)
-Appreciated knowledge of Drosophila genetics or transcriptome analysis

Practical Skills
-Excellent molecular biology skills (cloning, PCR, DNA production, purification, western-blot)
-Excellent skills in one (or more) of the following categories: biochemical methods related to proteins or RNA or Drosophila genetics
-Basic skills in confocal immunofluorescence
-Good computer skills (excel, word, powerpoint)
-Experience in cell culture or transcriptomic data analysis would be appreciated but is not essential

Personal skills
-Ability to work independently on the pipelines discussed
-Strong curiosity to learn new techniques and contribute to the team's various projects
-Strong organisational skills
-Rigour in reporting activities, following protocols in English, experimental planning
-Ability to work as part of a team and contribute to the life of the laboratory (joint actions, general tasks)
-General qualities: Communication, Thoroughness, Team spirit, Autonomy, Enthusiasm

General, theoretical or disciplinary knowledge
-Knowledge of or interest in gene regulation
-Knowledge or experience of RNA or protein biology or the Drosophila model
-Knowledge of or motivation to participate in bioinformatics analyses is a plus

Work Context

The Montpellier Institute of Molecular Genetics (IGMM) is a joint CNRS and University of Montpellier research unit with a staff of 200 divided into 18 research groups, 9 shared services (5 of which are shared with other units on the CNRS campus) and 9 technological and scientific platforms. The IGMM is a multidisciplinary institute whose work has an international impact, both fundamental and applied, in molecular and cellular biology (www.igmm.cnrs.fr).
The engineer will be assigned to the team headed by Julie Carnesecchi, which has recently been opened at the IGMM. The engineer will work on a central project of the laboratory funded by the ANR (TRren-D project) and will be trained and supervised directly by Julie. The teamwork is international (English) and interdisciplinary (molecular biology, structural biology, transcriptomics, imaging), with the opportunity to contribute to the exploration of TF-RNA interactions at various scales (in vitro, in cells, in vivo in embryonic muscle).
The project benefits from the privileged scientific environment of the Biocampus and its technological platforms (proteomics, sequencing, imaging, www.biocampus.cnrs.fr).

Constraints and risks

Some weekends and public holidays will be necessary for live sample maintenance (1 to 2 hours max/weekend) and in the evening (20-21h).